thermomaster for 87
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,477
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thermomaster for 87
I purchased and placed a thermomaster and 160 degree sensor from hypertech in my car. the box has a "california legal" sticker on it. someone informed me I might have problems with the smog test with it in place. The gentleman at the shop stated I wouldn't ... i specifically asked before the purchase. Who is right? Has anyone in california had problems with the car passing smog with the chip in? The car is stock otherwise (besides the mufflers)....I bought it because the gentleman at the shop informed me my new valve guide seals would last longer, this is the reason it was in the shop to begin with. didn't want to spend another $700 anytime soon. :confused:
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,524
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From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: thermomaster for 87 (Lv2Driv)
The hotter an engine runs the cleaner its emissions are. While i'm not sure on the vette, an old trick we use to do on the GN's was to shut the cooling fan off and only leave the heater on in the car. The engine would run hotter then normal and pass with flying colors. (Some even with no converter)
If you have a problem passing, you could always throw the stock chip back in ,which will raise the temp at which the cooling fans come on.
If you have a problem passing, you could always throw the stock chip back in ,which will raise the temp at which the cooling fans come on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
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From: San Diego, Ca
Re: thermomaster for 87 (Lv2Driv)
Don't have it myself, but technically, if it has a CARB #, you will pass the visual. Of course the smog ref isn't going to be able to see these mods
during that part of the inspection, but the vehicle still has to pass specs at idle and on the dyno. I've found that the best way to make sure you pass is with a warm engine; ie, 195 - 205, so if you aren't seeing these temps, swap out the 160 thermostat for stock prior to the test and after you've passed, put the 160 back in. Also, the tester is going to check base timing, though I don't think your chip will change this.
during that part of the inspection, but the vehicle still has to pass specs at idle and on the dyno. I've found that the best way to make sure you pass is with a warm engine; ie, 195 - 205, so if you aren't seeing these temps, swap out the 160 thermostat for stock prior to the test and after you've passed, put the 160 back in. Also, the tester is going to check base timing, though I don't think your chip will change this.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
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Re: thermomaster for 87 (SunCr)
thanks for the info.... the mechanic I had do the work was recommended by one of the forum guys. I felt he was more sales man than honest. I asked him specifically if I would have problems passing smog and he replied no. My other source is mechanic of 35 years and he stated the same as suncr. I will watch the temp and hope I wasn't snookered for the extra $300. I was hoping to help myself, not make problems come smog time. (not to mention he promised the car in three days only to have me wait seven due to the delivery of the chip being delayed) :rolleyes:
